Who Won't Return for Season 5 of 'The Good Doctor'?

This article contains spoilers

The season 4 finale of The Good Doctor left viewers wanting more from Dr. Shaun Murphy and the staff at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.

In last night's episode, many of the characters found themselves struggling to do their jobs under strenuous conditions in Guatemala but which doctor won't be returning to St. Bonaventure for a fifth season?

Season 5 of The Good Doctor—What We Know

ABC confirmed on May 3 that The Good Doctor will return for season 5, but there's no confirmation yet on exactly when.

There was a delay in the filming for season 4 due to the pandemic, which could offset the release date of the next series. The first three seasons started airing in September but Season 4 was pushed back to November.

Who's leaving and who's joining The Good Doctor cast?

Freddie Highmore is expected to return in the lead role as Dr. Murphy, a surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. Shaun got engaged in last night's finale to Lea Dilallo (Paige Spara), who also looks likely to return.

One person who won't be returning is Antonia Thomas, who has played Dr. Claire Browne since the pilot. Thomas made her goodbyes on social media, saying she's hugely thankful to her amazing colleagues on The Good Doctor for the wonderful experience. She also said she's incredibly grateful to her fans for all of their incredible support over the years.

Her character accepted a role as a surgeon at a Guatemalan hospital, leaving the door open for a potential return one day.

Thomas' castmates wished her well in the comment section. Hill Harper (Dr. Andrews), Fiona Gubelmann (Dr. Reznick), and executive producer Daniel Dae Kim were just some of those who expressed their love for Thomas online.

Two recent additions to the cast are stepping up to become series regulars in season 5. Bria Henderson, who plays Dr. Jordan Allen, confirmed on her social media channels that she and her co-star Noah Galvin (Dr. Asher Wolke) will be returning.

The Good Doctor cast members Spara and Christina Chang both commented on her Instagram post voicing their support.

Another addition to the cast is Osvaldo Benavides. He played Dr. Lim's love interest Dr. Mateo Rendón Osma at the end of season 4 and it's been confirmed he'll return for the fifth season.

The American version of The Good Doctor has already massively outlasted the show it originated from. The original series was created in 2013 in South Korea and lasted just one season before coming to an end. The show was also adapted and remade in Japan and Turkey.

The Good Doctor and partner Lea
Shaun and Lea endured a difficult time in season 4. Jeff Weddell/ABC
Antonia Thomas is leaving The Good Doctor
Antonia Thomas discusses "The Good Doctor" with the Build Series at Build Studio on September 26, 2018 in New York City. Thomas has confirmed she's leaving the series after four seasons and won't be back for season 5. Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

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